On Valley Edition: Fresno Police Consolidation; Gas Prices; Via Arte

Segment 1: Police & Sheriff Consolidation in FresnoShould the Fresno Police Department and Fresno County Sheriff's Department consider consolidating or merging their operations? That's the question a new study commissioned by the Fresno City Council seeks to answer.

Last week the council voted to spend $50,000 on a study that supporters say might identify ways for the both the city and county to save money and enhance public safety by reducing the duplication of some services and functions. But some, including the Fresno Police Officers Association, oppose the idea, saying it's just the latest political move in an on-going battle over the union's contract with the city.

Jacky Parks, FPOA president joins us to talk about the issue, as well as city council member Oliver Baines and Al Smith, CEO of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, which has been a longtime supporter of consolidation efforts.

Segment 2: Gas Prices Spike, Look to Decline SoonMotorists throughout the Central Valley have seen gas prices shoot up over the last few days. But relief may be in sight. Tom Kolza, chief oil analyst with the firm Oil Price Information Service joins us to talk about why gas prices increased so rapidly in California, and how a new order from Governor Brown allowing "winter blend" gasoline to be sold before the end of October could result in prices dropping in the near future.

Segment 3: Election PreviewElection Day is still weeks away, but voting in California actually begins this week as counties send out vote-by-mail ballots. Today, we kick off our look at the 11 statewide measures Californians will decide this fall – and we begin with Governor Jerry Brown’s tax initiative, Proposition 30, and a measure that seeks to change the way Sacramento lawmakers craft the state's budget, Proposition 31. Ben Adler and Amy Quinton bring us special reports.

Via Arte at the Marketplace

Credit Courtesy Bakersfield Museum of Art

Segment 4: Via ArtéEvery year the Bakersfield Museum of Art brings colorful sidewalk art to The Marketplace in Bakersfield with the Via Arté street painting festival. The event, now in its 14th year, showcases asphalt as a canvas with both professional and student artists turning the Marketplace parking lot into a gallery of amazing chalk masterpieces. Jason Gutierrez of the Bakersfield Museum of Art joins us to talk about the event.